Sofia Vergara is stepping into a new role as a judge on Season 15 of America’s Got Talent (AGT). The beloved Modern Family star joins the iconic judging panel alongside Simon Cowell, Howie Mandel, and returning judge Heidi Klum, with Terry Crews as the host.
In a heartfelt Instagram announcement, Vergara expressed her excitement about joining the show. “I am so happy to join my new family on @agt,” she wrote. “This is a new and exciting next chapter for me, and I’m extremely proud to be the first Latin judge on the show. I can’t wait to watch all the new talent and have fun with all you guys!”
The announcement came alongside a post from Klum, who shared a photo of herself with Vergara and stated, “The fact that @sofiavergara is joining us is the icing on an already delicious cake! #agt.”
Vergara’s addition is particularly significant as she becomes the first Latina judge in AGT’s history, adding diversity to a panel that has seen a variety of personalities over the years. Her arrival follows the controversial exit of Gabrielle Union, who left the series amid allegations of a toxic workplace culture.
Union’s departure sparked discussions about the environment on the AGT set, with reports claiming there were issues related to excessive scrutiny of physical appearances and inappropriate comments made towards judges, including concerns raised about hairstyles being deemed “too Black.”
In response to these allegations, NBC, FremantleMedia, and Simon Cowell’s Syco released a joint statement, affirming their commitment to a respectful workplace and expressing their willingness to address any concerns raised by Union.
As America’s Got Talent prepares for its latest season, Vergara’s vibrant personality and extensive experience in entertainment are sure to bring a fresh dynamic to the judging panel, making for an exciting season ahead for fans and contestants alike.
